§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the British Linen Bank Group relating to the development of the proposed new Edinburgh royal infirmary; to what extent those discussions have included the construction and the management of hospital facilities and hospital services; and what facilities and services are being considered. [27932]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonScottish Office officials have met representatives of a number of private sector financial institutions, including the British Linen bank, construction companies and other organisations to discuss private finance issues. No meetings have taken place with representatives of the British Linen Bank Group specifically to discuss the royal infirmary of Edinburgh. The briefing documents prepared by the royal infirmary of Edinburgh NHS trust and issued to518W interested parties describes the scheme as being for the design, building and financing of the new hospital facility, together with the operation of a range of non-clinical support services. Staff involved in providing clinical services will continue to be employed by the trust.